Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli software solutions leader Commit has acquired Savannah, a startup that recruits and employs top tech talent from African countries for global development teams.

Founded in 2022 by Itai Azogui, the Tel Aviv-based Savannah has placed over 100 developers with companies including Firefly and Aqua Security. The acquisition, reportedly worth several million dollars in cash, integrates Savannah’s team into Commit’s Offshore division, expanding its reach beyond Eastern Europe into Africa.

“Africa is one of the highest-quality yet underleveraged talent markets in the world,” said Commit Chairman Arik Feingold. The move positions the Israeli firm to connect startups and enterprises with skilled African developers, particularly for AI and R&D projects.

Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli authorities at the Allenby Border Crossing with Jordan arrested two couriers carryng around NIS 12 million ($3.8 million) in cash, the Israeli Police announced on Sunday.

According to the police, the funds were likely intended for palestinian terror groups in Judea and Sammaria. The police added that guards at the crossing acted on a tip from military intelligence.

The border guards were acting on a tip from military intelligence, the police added.

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Jerusalem, 18 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Four foreign political activists were arrested for attacking an Israeli shepherd in a grazing area over the weekend, two of whom were released under restrictive conditions and the others will be deported from Israel, said the Israel Police.

During the weekend, the police received a report was received of an attack on a shepherd in an approved grazing area adjacent to the village of Al Mughayyir near Ramallah. This led to the arrest of the four.

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Today, with the release from prison of crime boss Naser Hariri and his departure towards his home, accompanied by a convoy of licensed armed security guards, Lahav 433’s National Bureau of Investigation detectives, along with Border Police fighters and Prison Service forces, operated and stopped the convoy on Highway 65. 

During a search, three security guards were found holding licensed weapons, who acted in violation of the license terms, according to which they are prohibited from engaging in personal security, especially when it comes to a crime organization. The weapons were confiscated and the security guards will be brought for investigation at the National Bureau of Investigation offices. 

The Inspector General, Commissioner Danny Levy, praised the operation and the cooperation between the forces: “We have declared all-out war on crime organizations and their leaders, and this is how we operate – with determination and assertiveness. Let the crime organizations know that we will not rest and will not allow them to do as they please. We are a state of law – and the Israel Police enforces the law everywhere and at all times.”

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — With the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism – the “Path of David’s Wanderings” trail was inaugurated on Mount Hebron and a cornerstone was laid for the “Paths of Psalms” project.

The new trail is a 4.5-kilometer walking and cycling trail connecting the communities of Maon and Carmel. The project was budgeted by the Ministry of Tourism with 3.2 million Shekels and was established in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of the Interior.

The Ministry of Tourism sees Judea and Samaria, the land of biblical stories, as a region rich in Jewish heritage tourism assets of national importance, historical sites, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Israel, which has not realized its inherent potential for years. In accordance with the Minister’s policy, through planned investment in infrastructure, statutory planning, and marketing, the Ministry is creating conditions that will enable responsible tourism development, strengthen the local economy, and expand the range of destinations for the Israeli public and incoming tourism.

Jerusalem, 15 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s National Public Transportation Authority reported that public transportation in Israel continues to break records. In 2025, 912 million trips were recorded on Buses, light rail, and Israel Railways, compared to 904 million trips in 2024, and a new annual travel record ever.

The data, said the Authority, reflects a trend of recovery and continued growth after the Corona years, and later also against the backdrop of the challenges of the “Iron Swords” war, during which transportation activity was reduced in large areas of the country, lines were shut down, and drivers and vehicles were mobilized for the national effort. Despite this, the public transportation system maintained functional continuity and quickly returned to increasing levels of activity.

The increase in the number of passengers is the result of a clear policy led by the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety: expanding the line network, increasing frequencies, opening and extending light rail lines, improving service on Israel Railways, and unprecedented investment in service additions. As part of the 2025 budget, hundreds of millions of shekels were allocated specifically for expanding public transportation service.

“The peak figure for 2025 indicates growing public trust and a gradual transition from private vehicles to high-quality, available and accessible public transportation as a basis for dealing with the problem of road congestion and improving the quality of life,” said the Authority.